The Desperate Hours (1955) review

Three convicts, brothers Glenn (Humphrey Bogart) and Hal Griffin (Dewey Martin) and their burly accomplice Kobish (Robert Middleton), escape from prison and find themselves in the suburbs of Indianapolis, where they take over the home of businessman Daniel Hilliard (Fredric March), his wife Ellie (Martha Scott) and their two kids Cindy (Mary Murphy) and Ralph (Richard Eyer) while law enforcement, including Deputy Sheriff Bard (Arthur Kennedy), have a tough time tracking them down.  Although it's loosely based on a true story (that took place in Whitemarsh Township, Pennsylvania), there are a number of issues: it's not clear why the bad guys would select that house in particular, the decision-making by everyone is frequently perplexing (why let Cindy go on dates?) and the screenplay is so drawn-out it basically negates any real tension that might have been generated by the situation.  What keeps it watchable, however, is legendary screen icon Bogart (in his second to last film appearance) reminding the audience of his range by playing the villain and Marsh is suitable as the father who has to regain his "masculinity" - and prove to his son Ralph that he's a "man" - by keeping his family alive.